By JESSE GRAHAM
VISITORS to the upcoming spring race events are being encouraged to make their journey safely and to avoid getting behind the wheel after a few drinks.
With the Cox Plate event being held on Saturday 26 October, the Melbourne Cup on 5 November and Oakes Day on 7 November, thousands are expected to flock to racecourses to see the action.
But for those travelling to Yarra Glen Racecourse for the events, there are a range of travel options that mean visitors don’t have to risk drinking and driving.
Courtesy buses will be available for the Cox Plate event from 10am-1pm from Lilydale Station to the racecourse, and from 9am-2pm on Melbourne Cup Day, with return buses running from 3pm-7pm.
Yarra Glen Leading Senior Constable Glen Piper said there would be around 16 police officers attending racing events in the town, with around 40 private security members.
He said that alcohol and behaviour was well monitored at the Yarra Glen events and that the frequency of buses meant there should be no excuse for drinking and driving.
“There’s plenty of transport and no need to drive unless you have to,” he said.
Leading Senior Const Piper said that police usually set up a booze bus to test drivers leaving the racecourse and that very few arrests were usually made for drunken behaviour.
Yarra Glen Racecourse CEO Brett Shambrook said people should take advantage of the courtesy buses available, or organise alternative plans to get home safely.
“Have a designated driver, and if you have any doubts, you can leave your vehicles here overnight and pick them up,” he said.
“If there’s any doubt, don’t get in the car – it’s better to be safe than sorry, and there’s plenty of options, so you shouldn’t risk it.”
Drivers found to be drink driving can be issued heavy penalties, including 10 demerit points – learner and probationary drivers, who must maintain a zero blood alcohol content (BAC) only have five points available.
